April 3. Being in a readiness to sail, the Flag came off Shore, was saluted first by the Dutch, and then by all the English Ships; but a contrary Wind prevented our sailing. Most of the Goods sold at the Cape were taken out of the Duke, being in much worse Package than those aboard the Dutchess and Batchelor; so that most of our Bales that could be come at, have been open’d, and we find abundance of Damage, our Ship having been so long leaky, that we have not a tight Place in the Ship fit to secure dry Goods.
April 5. At Day-break this Morning the Flag hoisted a blue Ensign, loos’d his Fore-top-sail, and fired a Gun as a Signal to unmoor: As we were heaving in our Cable, it rubb’d against the Oakham, which had got into the Leak, and occasion’d the Ship to be as leaky again as ever, she having been indifferent tight for some time, and we were in hopes it would have continu’d. About Noon I came aboard very thin, and in no better Health than I was when I went first ashore at our Arrival here. Presently after I went aboard the Flag, there being a Signal made for all the English Commanders. We had before received our Orders, which were very particular, and as obligatory to be punctually observed. About 4 in the Afternoon the Flag, Vice and Rear Admirals weigh’d, with part of the Fleet, and fell down to Robins or Penguin Island, where they lay for the rest of the Ships.
April 6. In the Afternoon we all weigh’d from Penguin Island, 16 Dutch and 9 English Ships, having a fresh Breeze at S. S. E.
At the Cape of Good Hope.
We buried ashore here, George Russel, a Foremast-man, Dec. 30. 1710. John Glasson, dº. 5 Jan. Mr. Carleton Vanbrugh, Owners Agent, 3 Feb. Mr. Lancelot Appleby, 2d Mate, 21 dºo. and four deserted.
Here follows a List of the Ships that arrived during our Stay at the Cape; all those homeward bound are now in company with us, except Capt. Opie in the Olie, and a Dane that sailed in February, designed home before us.
The Ships that arriv’d at the Cape while we were there.
Donnegall, Capt. Cliff, found here, from Mocha bound to England.
A Dutch Ship, arriv’d Jan. 6, from Batavia, and bound thither.
Loyal Bliss, Capt. Rob. Hudson, arriv’d Jan. 10. from Bengall, bound to England.